North Somerset's newest academy opened this week (Tues Sept 2) with students looking forward to working in its business-focused environment.

Before the doors opened at 9am, smartly-dressed Year 12 students were queuing outside the North Somerset Enterprise and Technology College (NSETC), located at Weston College's South West Skills Campus on Locking Road, Weston-super-Mare.Around 160 students, dressed in business attire, were wowed by the up-to-the-minute technology at the campus, which will be their home for the next 12 months while a dedicated campus is built near junction 21 of the M5.On hand to welcome them were newly-appointed members of staff, along with Principal Designate Karen Cornick, who gave a welcome speech before the students explored the building and met their tutors.NSETC is a specialist Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) College that combines excellence of teaching with superb facilities and industry support. Students are encouraged to wear smart business/industry dress and to observe industry hours.The development, sponsored by Weston College, North Somerset Council, North Bristol Health Trust and the University of the West of England, (UWE) has been catalysed by involvement of key figures across the industrial and commercial sector. Student Alice Thornhill, age 16, is studying A levels in Biology, Business Studies, Psychology and Economics. She said: "I'm really impressed by what I've seen so far. It's a very professional environment and when I applied I liked the idea of going to a business-focused college. I think it will be a real advantage for our future careers."James Gibbons, also 16, is studying for an Extended Diploma in Engineering. He said: "I'm interested in the links between business and engineering, which is why I applied to NSETC. It's great to be here and the surroundings are fantastic."Karen Cornick said: "It's wonderful to see the vision for NSETC finally come to fruition today, and how excited the new students were when they came through the front door. They all looked so smart, and this has been a very positive first day for a brand new school which is focusing on key STEM and business priorities for learners."Jacqui Ford, Chief Executive of the Multi Academy Trust, which oversees NSETC, said: "After all the work and planning put into NSETC, it's hard to believe that we're finally here, but today has been a fantastic start. The students have really bought into the concept and we're looking forward to a very bright future indeed."Dr Paul Phillips OBE, Weston College Principal, added: "As Principal of Weston College I was happy to be one of the sponsors of this institution because of its STEM focus and also to try to ensure that learning across North Somerset remains inclusive and exciting. At the end of the day, whether we are a school, academy or college we should support what is right for the learner."In an ideal world I would hope that the creation of the Enterprise College can be followed by a university centre. At that point North Somerset could justifiably claim to have the full complement of educational provision that is needed for the whole community."Next year the NSETC will be opening its door to students in Year 10 too. The deadline for applications for 2015's Year 10 intake is Friday 31st October 2014. As this will be a new option for parents in North Somerset to move their child for their key stage 4 education the college will be holding a parents' information evening (for parents with current Year 9 students) to find out what exciting opportunities NSETC can offer their child on Thursday 18th September. Also on Saturday 27th September is a taster morning for current Year 9 students who are interested in what the NSETC can offer. This event will enable potential students to get a taste of what life at NSETC will be like, including interactive science and maths sessions, the chance to experience some forensics work and robotics, plus information about health care, medical sciences, engineering career routes and the qualifications you need to get into them. For more information on these events and to register your attendance you can visit www.nsetc.co.uk/events or call 01934 411 477.